Scent dispersing mat apparatus
A scent dispersing apparatus, such as a mat, capable of enclosing a scent-containing element inside an air-filled cavity. A housing contains a means for air ventilation, such as small air holes, for dispersion of scent. When the housing receives a force, such as a user exerting pressure upon on the housing, air is pushed from the air cavity outward through the air holes, thereby, dispersing scent contained in the scented insert. Additional air enters the air cavity once the pressure is released through an elastic rebound effect.
This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/426,038 filed Sep. 14, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an apparatus for dispersing scent, and in particular, an apparatus capable of housing a scented insert for dispersion of scent when the apparatus receives a force or is compressed.
SUMMARYIn an illustrative, non-limiting implementation, a scent dispersing apparatus is provided. The scent dispersing apparatus comprises a housing, such as a floor mat, capable of enclosing a scented insert inside an air-filled cavity. The housing contains a means for air ventilation, such as small air holes, for dispersion of scent. When the housing receives a force; such as a user stepping on the housing, air is pushed from the air cavity outward through the air holes, thereby, dispersing scent contained in the scented insert.
A cross sectional view of mat 10 is shown in
The top portion 40 and bottom portion 50 of mat 10 can be made of a synthetic material, such as, rubber, plastic or other resilient material capable of deformation. Mat 10 may also be made of a thin deformable metal material for more industrial type uses or areas receiving heavy traffic. Mat 10 may be any size or texture for a variety of uses, such as a car, kitchen, bathroom or door mat. Although mat 10 is shown in
Top portion 40 and bottom portion 50 may be integral or may be affixed to one another to form a pouch shaped air cavity 90. As shown in
Top portion 40 and bottom portion 50 may be molded integrally or separately by any conventional molding technology, such as injection molding. If formed separately, the portions 40, 50 are sealed together along seal 60, leaving one side or section able to be opened and closed, such as by flap 70 in
Air holes 20, as shown in
Flap 70, as shown in
Turning to
Protrusions 30, shown in
As shown in
In another illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,
As shown in
An interchangeable cartridge insert (not shown) can also be used to house the scented insert 80. The cartridge can be placed in seam 60 along one edge of mat 70. Alternatively, the cartridge insert can have a snapping mechanism to snap in place or a slide and lock mechanism to lock into the side of mat 10. Various types of coverings 100, as described above, can be used to hide the inserted cartridge. The interchangeable cartridge insert allows a user to easily change the scented insert 80 for different scents or for using multiple scents simultaneously. Scented insert 80 can be in the form of a liquid, oil, solid or gel.
The previous descriptions of the preferred embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Moreover, various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Various modifications may include, use of the scent dispersion apparatus in a dog or cat bed, pillows, car seats, cushions or use as a shoe sole insert, or in a clothing or hair brush. It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the spirit and the scope of the present invention. It will also be appreciated that although the invention is described in terms of dispersing a scent, an essentially odorless deodorant or odor-absorbent material is within the invention and within the definition of “scented” as used herein.
Claims
1. A floor mat, comprising;
- a top portion including a plurality of air ventilation apertures;
- a bottom portion connected directly or indirectly to said top portion and at least partially sealing an interior space therebetween;
- a scent-containing member within said interior space; and
- a flap, being integrally formed with said top portion and removably connected to said bottom portion, wherein when said flap is closed, said interior space is completely sealed, with entry and exit of air solely through said air ventilation apertures, and wherein when said flap is opened, access to said interior space is permitted for replacement of said scent-containing member with a new scent-containing member;
- wherein, upon application of pressure to said top portion, said floor mat releases scented air to a surrounding area; and upon release of said pressure, said floor mat draws in additional air to be scented.
2. A floor mat, comprising;
- a top portion made of a flexible material and including a plurality of air ventilation apertures;
- a bottom portion connected directly or indirectly to said top portion and at least partially sealing an interior space therebetween;
- a scent-containing member within said interior space; and
- a flap, being integrally formed with said top portion and removably connected to said bottom portion, wherein when said flap is closed, said interior space is completely sealed, with entry and exit of air solely through said air ventilation apertures, and wherein when said flap is opened, access to said interior space is permitted for replacement of said scent-containing member with a new scent-containing member;
- wherein, upon application of pressure to said top portion, said floor mat releases scented air to a surrounding area through said ventilation apertures; and upon release of said pressure, said floor mat draws in additional air to be scented through said ventilation apertures.
3. A scent dispersing mat structure, comprising;
- a top portion including a plurality of air ventilation apertures;
- a bottom portion connected directly or indirectly to said top portion and at least partially sealing at least one interior space therebetween;
- a scent-containing member within said interior space(s);
- a flap, being integrally formed with said top portion and removably connected to said bottom portion, wherein when said flap is closed, said interior space is completely sealed, with entry and exit of air solely through said air ventilation apertures, and wherein when said flap is opened, access to said interior space is permitted for replacement of said scent-containing member with a new scent-containing member;
- wherein, upon application of pressure to said top portion, said mat releases scented air to a surrounding area; and upon release of said pressure, said mat draws in additional air to be scented, and a layer of carpeting covering at least said top portion except for said ventilation apertures.
4. A mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scented member comprises foam member.
5. A mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said top and bottom portions is elastically deformable, so as to draw in said additional air upon release of pressure through a rebound action.
6. A mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein a push pump is integrally formed within said top portion.
7. A mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said top and bottom portions, respectively, further comprise a plurality of protrusions which are integrally formed on the outer surfaces of said top and bottom portions, wherein said protrusions help a user's foot to grip and maintain position on the floor or other surface where said mat is placed.
8. A mat as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said top and bottom portions, respectively, further comprise a plurality of protrusions in the shape of long ribs which are integrally formed on the outer surfaces of said top and bottom portions, wherein said protrusions help a user's foot to grip and maintain position on the floor or other surface where said mat is placed.
Type: Grant
Filed: Nov 14, 2003
Date of Patent: Jan 31, 2006
Patent Publication Number: 20040121111
Inventor: Marni Hurwitz (Far Hills, NJ)
Primary Examiner: Alexander S. Thomas
Attorney: Ernest D. Buff & Associates, LLC
Application Number: 10/712,343
International Classification: B32B 3/10 (20060101);